The National League of Cities (NLC) recognized the efforts of nearly 400 elected officials nationwide for their commitment to achieving health and wellness goals for Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties (LMCTC) at their annual conference in Seattle on Nov. 14. More than 60 million Americans are now living in LMCTC communities that are dedicated to helping young people eat healthy foods and be physically active. LMCTC is a major component of First Lady Michelle Obama’s comprehensive Let’s Move! initiative, which is dedicated to solving childhood obesity within a generation.

"Local officials around the country are committed to taking action in their communities to help their residents be healthy," said NLC President Marie Lopez Rogers, mayor of Avondale, Ariz.

"We’ve seen recent signs of progress, with childhood obesity rates declining in some cities, counties and states, and we hope to see continued progress thanks to the efforts of the local leaders being recognized today."

The City of Kenmore was one of 18 communities recognized by NLC President Rogers for stepping up to the challenge of addressing childhood obesity and making the most measurable progress in improving the children’s health as outlined in the five goals of LMCTC. Other communities included: Hawaiian Gardens, Calif.; Annapolis, Md.; Davenport, Iowa; Orlando, Fla.; and Columbus, Ohio.

"We are honored to be one of only 18 communities in the U.S. to receive this recognition. The health of the children in our community is important to us as they are the future generation of leaders. The City Council strives to adopt policies and work with community partners to ensure that children have access to healthy affordable foods and opportunities for physical activity," said Kenmore Mayor David Baker.

The accomplishments Kenmore has made in relation to the five goals include the completion of a needs assessment of playspaces, the launch of policies and programs to increase access to physical activity, and participation by the Northshore School District in the School Breakfast Program.

Baker continued, "We are fortunate to live in a community that tremendously cares about the well-being of children. We’re ever so thankful for the support of community organizations and businesses in creating free recreational opportunities and for joining forces to assist the city in organizing the annual Kenmore Play Day."